Celtic pledge support for refugees

CELTIC are to donate their share of the proceeds from this weekend’s charity events in Dunfermline to assist people affected by the current refugee crisis.

Sunday sees Dunfermline and Celtic Legends go head to head at East End Park in the Jock Stein 30th anniversary charity match, followed by a charity dinner in Pittencrieff Park.

And the Hoops announced on their official website on Thursday that the Celtic FC Foundation’s share of the money raised from the events will be put towards helping refugees.

A statement on celticfc.net said: “The horrific and heartbreaking scenes which are being shared globally have shown the true extent of this humanitarian crisis, and it is only right that we support those who are in such desperate need in any way we can, particularly given our club’s own beginnings.

“Celtic FC Foundation will be partnering with an international aid agency in order that funds raised can be used in the most relevant, efficient and targeted manner.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Having seen the effects of this humanitarian crisis unfold in recent days, we felt as a club we should help in any way we can.

“Celtic was established as a football club to help people in need and this ethos remains a fundamental part of our club almost 130 years after our formation. None of us can understand the true horrors of this situation but as a club we wanted to show our support for those affected.”

Tony Hamilton, chief executive of Celtic FC Foundation, said: “This is absolutely the right thing for us to do. Our club was formed by immigrants, many of whom had escaped the devastation of the great famine.

“Celtic was created to offer vital help in a time of need and we feel it is important that we are there again.

“In the coming days we will appoint a third party charity with expertise in this area to ensure the money donated is spent wisely to alleviate the suffering, in the best way possible.”

The news comes on the same day that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich announced they are to provide support for the influx of refugees in Germany.

A statement on Bayern’s website said they have promised to play their part in helping with the ‘’largest arrival of refugees in decades’’ by establishing a training camp, in partnership with the City of Munich.

Children and youths of migrant families will be given German lessons and the opportunity to play football, receive meals and be fitted out with all the necessary football equipment as part of the collaboration between Bayern and the city council.

Furthermore, Bayern have pledged one million euros in proceeds from a friendly match which will be donated to refugee projects.